Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Recently, the RSPCA Blue Mountains Shelter were lucky enough to receive a rather 'rambunctious', but lovely big black dog called ZEUS. Zeus was a young dog, but with lots and lots of energy. Shelter staff found him to be a particular challenge due to him being so strong - even taking him for his daily walks were exhausting!

While Zeus scored very high in his Behavioural Assessment, staff were concerned because of his high energy levels and the difficulty in controlling him at times. If Zeus was tough for Shelter staff, how would he be with a new family?

Staff decided to contact RSPCA Sydney to see if they could offer Zeus some behavioural training. RSPCA Sydney were only too happy to help and Zeus was transferred to start his 'boot camp'.

After weeks of training and hard work with RSPCA Sydney Team Leader Adam and his staff, Zeus received the big tick of approval and is now able to be adopted!
A big thank you to Adam and his team for working wonders and making such a difference to the life of a dog that would have been hard to rehome.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Every day, bunnies are handed in to the RSPCA. But in the month after Easter, 25% more bunnies are surrendered. This is due to people being given an unwanted bunny as an Easter gift.

RSPCA NSW always has bunnies looking for good homes. They make wonderful pets, are relatively easy to care for, quiet and gentle, and perfect for people who don’t have the room, time or energy for a dog. They’re also a good choice for older children who are ready for the responsibility of looking after a pet.

Adopting one from the RSPCA ensures your pet is desexed and health checked. “Often bunnies are surrendered in groups, and this is because they are not desexed. If you are looking at getting two or more, please ensure they are desexed as the term ‘breeding like rabbits’ isn’t just a phrase!” said RSPCA NSW Chief Vet, Dr Magdoline Awad.

Bunnies can live for eight years or more, so people considering one must consult everyone in the household and ensure they’re all ready for the responsibility.

The RSPCA can’t stress enough how important it is not to give a pet as a surprise gift. “If you can’t offer a bunny a lifelong home, then please only give chocolate bunnies as Easter gifts,” said Dr Awad.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Normally autumn signals the beginning of cooler weather and cat breeding season slowing down. But the unseasonably warm weather has meant the cat breeding season is continuing, with hundreds of cats and kittens currently available for adoption from the RSPCA’s Sydney Shelter (Yagoona) and Care Centre in Rouse Hill.

To cope with the problem, cats and kittens are available for $100* each. This is a reduction from $190 for kittens and $140 for cats. This cost includes desexing, worming, vaccinations, microchipping and health checks, and will run until – and including – Easter Sunday (4 April). Senior cats (six years plus) are available at the usual cost of $80.

“We’re currently experiencing an explosion of cats and kittens. And in desperate need of good homes for all these animals,” said Sydney Shelter Supervisor, Donna Hough. “A cat is capable of reproducing 20,000 kittens in two years, so we can’t stress enough the importance of desexing your pets.”

The RSPCA NSW has received enquiries relating to the story about Callan which aired on Wednesday night's RSPCA Animal Rescue episode (Channel 7; 24 March 2010).

Due to the limitied time allocated to each segment in the Animal Rescue show it is not always possible for Channel 7 to portray the full story of all the animals. Consequently, the true extent of the RSPCA's efforts to rehabilitate Callan's was not made available.

What wasn’t aired was the significant time and effort the RSPCA staff made to rehabilitate Callan. He was actually adopted by a person who had a proven track record of rehabilitating dogs with similar anxieties. Regrettably Callan and his behavioural problems proved too much for his new owner and he was returned to the RSPCA as he was not coping or improving.

In addition to the efforts of the RSPCA staff, an external Animal Behaviourist was consulted and conducted an assessment of Callan. Following their assessment they also advised that the kindest thing to do for Callan was for him to be put to sleep as he was continually extremely feaful and not making any improvements.

Indeed, Callan's story was sad to watch on television. As many would certainly understand, it was sadder still for the RSPCA staff and Inspectors who worked with Callan in order to try and rehabilitate him.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

This pet event is sponsored by Concord Rotary Coffee Club to promote community spirit with the participation of people and pets.

RSPCA NSW will be hosting a stall at the park with information about our campaigns, programs and services. We will also have profiles of animals available for adoption and a laptop setup for people to online register to the RSPCA Million Paws Walk (www.millionpawswalk.com.au).

The day will include marketing stalls, a fundraising BBQ and family entertainment including a jumping castle and celebrity guest(s).

Monday, March 22, 2010

RSPCA NSW Inspector Milton recounts a sad story from last week that outlines the importance of microchipping:

"Driving home last week, I saw what looked like a cat lying in the gutter by the side of the road." Recounts Inspector Milton. "Fearing that the cat had been hit by a car, I pulled my vehicle over and discovered that the poor thing had indeed been hit and had passed away. I immediately scanned the cat in hopes of finding a microchip - thankfully, the scanner beeped and found one."

Inspector Milton bundled the cat up and took it home with her until she could get in contact with the owners who may be worried about their missing cat and who would, sadly, have to be informed of their loss.

Inspecor Miltion searched the Companion Animals Register for the microchip number and successfully found the owner's details. Inspector Milton made contacted with the owners to inform them that Caesar had passed and to arrange for her to deliver him to them the next day. Despite their loss they were grateful for Inspector Milton contacting them and were then able to make arrangements to lay their loved one to rest.

Important messages about Microchipping and animal identification in companion animals

1. Please have your pet(s) properly microchipped
2. Make sure that the information registered for each pet's microchip is current - if you've changed address, have a new contact number or have changed ownership of the animal you will need to have these details updated.
3. Please make sure your pet has a collar with their name and a contact number for you should they get lost.

To register your pet on the Companion Animal Register, or to check or update your pet's details, please contact your local Council today.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Disney Girl Magazine recently did a photoshoot for the upcoming RSPCA Million Paws Walk 2010. For the shoot, we brought along Priscilla, a 12-week-old Maltese x Shih Tzu from the RSPCA Sydney Shelter.

Priscilla is an adorable little girl and an absolute star! She was such a lovely dog that she was adopted the same day by a member of the Disney Girl Editorial Team who fell in love with her instantly!

The pics from the Million Paws Walk photoshoot will be in the May issue of Disney Girl, out 19 April.

Have you registered for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk? Hurry, time's running out! For every $100 you fundraise online, you'll go in the draw to win a Hyundai i30CW Station Wagon*

Monday, March 15, 2010

Each year State Buses have a competition where bus drivers decorate their buses to generate Christmas cheer for passengers and staff. The decorators of the best decorated bus receive $500 to donate to the charity of their choice.

Thank you to the Willoughby Bus Depot (Jonathan, James and Mark) for choosing the RSPCA as winners of the 2009 State Transit Christmas Bus Competition.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

What’s that noise? Can you hear it? It’s the sound of thousands of paws across the country, so it must be nearly time for the RSPCA Million Paws Walk! The RSPCA’s most popular event is happening Sunday 16 May, and 2010 is going to be the best one yet!

Every year, thousands of people and dogs nationwide walk for a cause and celebrate their love for animals by taking part in the RSPCA Million Paws Walk. From babies to seniors, Chihuahuas to Great Danes – it’s an event for everyone – two and four-legged.

“The RSPCA Million Paws Walk is always a great day out and this year there are nearly 70 locations across the country, with 22 of them in NSW,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman. “We look forward to meeting all our RSPCA Supporters and extend the invite to those without pets too. We must stress though that all dogs attending should have up-to-date vaccinations and be on lead.”

Registrations are now open and there’s lots of fun ways to get involved! Walk individually with your dog, or create a social or corporate team and pound the pavement as a group. Fundraise online and watch you or your team’s name dazzle in lights on the RSPCA Million Paws Walk Top 10 Leader board. For every $100 raised online, you’ll receive an entry into the draw to win a Hyundai i30CW SX Wagon valued at $24,000*.

The more funds raised online for the RSPCA, the more entries you’ll get into the draw!
Register online now and receive a discount, then gear up with official RSPCA Million Paws Walk merchandise including tees, caps and pet accessories. Walks around NSW are at:

Are you interested in holding your own mini-Million Paws Walk and raising funds for the RSPCA? If you live in the areas of Broken Hill, Mudgee, Moree, Newcastle, Nowra, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Ulladulla or the South Coast, then check out the website for details.
For tickets or information head to www.millionpawswalk.com.au or call 02 9782 4494

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

We interview RSPCA Inspector Claudia Jones about her time with the RSPCA NSW:

When did you become an RSPCA Inspector? Why? I've worked for the RSPCA for nearly four years and started as an Inspector 14 months ago. I wanted to be an Inspector to help animals that weren't being properly cared for. An Inspector's role is to educate people on how to best care for their animals, especially those that aren't being cared for properly. We also get called upon to assist with animal rescues.

What is the best part of your job?

Saving animals from those who don't take care of them properly and then seeing the animal be rehomed to a
loving new family.

What is the worst part of your job?

The fact that not all animals we save survive or can be rehomed.

What is your typical day?Each day is different. I could help a kitten stuck in a wall, then go to a pet shop to inspect the animals and visit a premises to check on a complaint. Although these jobs are very different, they are just as important as each other.

Have you adopted any animals?

Yes! I have two dogs, two moggy cats, a frog and lots of different foster animals. The dogs are called Phil (a boxer cross) and Ruby (a boxer); the cats are Basil and Jemmi; the frog is called Trafford!

Who do you admire?

The late John Aspinall. The Aspinall Foundation is devoted to the conservation of endangered species and returning them to protected areas in the wild.

I also think that all the RSPCA supporters, Members, Volunteers and staff are heroes! This is because the Inspectors can't work alone; we need everyone's help to carry out our work.

The RSPCA is used to rehoming animals to areas near our RSPCA Shelters, Volunteer Branches and the RSPCA Care Centre at Rouse Hill. But sometimes the love is so strong that it even crosses borders - as was the case with the adoption story of Charlie (nee Kate), a female labrador who was in foster care at the RSPCA Tamworth Volunteer Branch and who was adopted by her new mum Emma and rehomed to Alice Springs.

"I was looking for a companion for my dog that was sometimes getting lonely when I was at work (I'm a police officer)", Emma writes in an email. "I was looking for a Labrador and found her on the RSPCA's Adopt A Pet website (http://www.adoptapet.com.au/). I had originally found a Labrador at RSPCA Albury Volunteer Branch that I liked - but it had been adopted when I called to enquire."

Emma then found Charlie, who was in foster care at RSPCA Tamworth. Charlie had a very unfortunate start to life. As a puppy her previous owners dumped her in the street with a broken leg. Charlie had been loved and cared for by RSPCA Tamworth, and despite suffering from a 'frozen' knee joint (that prevents her from bending her nearside hind leg) was in good health and featured on Adopt A Pet to find a new home.

"Charlie flew from Tamworth to Alice Springs all in one day (a big day for her!)." writes Emma, "She's fit in beautifully and we all love her. Charlie and Gromit (my other dog who is 9 and also a RSPCA dog!) have gotten along since their very first meeting. They play together, go for walks together and have a great time together. All of my animals are from the RSPCA. So I'm a real believer in adopting from the RSPCA."

The RSPCA NSW thanks Emma for her continued support of the RSPCA and for choosing to adopt from our Shelters and Volunteer Branches. We wish her, Charlie and Gromit all the best in their new home together!

Please note: Interstate adoptions are treated very seriously by the RSPCA. Each potential adopter is screened by RSPCA staff or Branch Volunteer Presidents/Coordinators. In some instances potential adopters may be required to visit the animal at their location of care (at the potential adopters' cost). Premisis checks will also be required and this will be organised in conjunction with the RSPCA member society at the point of destination.

Cost of transporting the adoption animal interstate is usually the responsibility of the adopter. RSPCA NSW would like to thank Jetpets (http://www.jetpets.com.au/) and Qantas (http://www.qantas.com.au/) for their continued support of the RSPCA NSW and for providing assistance with animal transportation.

In Feburary, the RSPCA NSW visited the wonderful staff at AMP to participate in the AMP Foundation Expo.

The AMP Foundation is the AMP’s charity program which matches staff donations to charities like the RSPCA dollar for dollar. Where the venue is appropriate, we often take a dog along with us that is available for adoption from one of our shelters, to give them a nice day out with lots of mental stimulation and so that workplaces can meet and connect with the animals that we care for. On this occasion we brought Talia, a female Mastiff cross, to the AMP Foundation Expo. At the Expo Talia enjoyed lots of affection from AMP employees, but most especially from another charity that was present - The Red Cross. Ian from the Red Cross immediately fell in love with Talia and decided to adopt her from the RSPCA!

Ian recently sent us an email and a photo of Talia (now called 'Ulli') who is very happy in her new forever home:

“Hello and thank you for the lovely chew treat and Ulli’s favourite tiger toy and chew rope. It was very nice of you. Ulli, (sounds like 'pulley') has settled right in and is ruling the roost. Or at least she thinks so. She is doing very well and has put on 5 kg and 5cm in two weeks. She really enjoys her walkies and is starting to do really well with 'sit', 'stay' and 'heel' after only this short time.

She asked me to forward on this pic of her. When she arrived her ears still only stood half way up but after four days they stood all the way up. So cute to see the transition.”

A big thank you to Ian, the Red Cross and the AMP Foundation (http://www.amp.com.au/) for a fantastic Expo and for all helping to rehome one of our adoption dogs.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Are you an RSPCA NSW member? All members receive three copies of animals magazine. Filled with pet care advice, latest RSPCA NSW news and events, and celebrities - our next issue (out early March) features an article on Mark Lizotte (aka Diesel) and his six-year-old mini Schnauzer, Rufus.

Back in January2008, Rufus suffered a slipped disc (invertible disc extrusion) and complete paralysis of the back legs. After surgery and a month in veterinary care, Rufus returned home in a new mode of transportation, a cart.

“When it first happened I thought, ‘Are we being selfish?’ But we knew it was the right thing to do – Rufus is such a happy dog.” said Lizotte.

Thursday, March 4, 2010

An RSPCA Supporter and Twitter follower, Laura J., recently sent us an advertisement she created, as part of her Award School studies, for our RSPCA Choose Wisely campaign.

"The brief was, create an advertisement for something you're passionate about." said Laura . J, "So I was going with the concept that you choose your meals wisely when you're looking at a menu, but what if factors other than taste come into play - like the mental state of the animal?"

Laura J.'s advertisement cleverly touches upon the dire living conditions animals endure through intensive farming systems and the need for the public to think carefully and choose wisely when ordering and purchasing their food.

For more information about the RSPCA Choose Wisely campaign, please visit:

Every year 8 March is International Women's Day, and everyday RSPCA NSW supports women* and their children to live a life free from fear and abuse. By arranging secure and affordable emergency pet accommodation, RSPCA NSW aims to assist in empowering women and their children to escape domestic violence through their Safe Beds for Pets program.

"Large numbers of family members in domestic violence situations have pets," said the RSPCA NSW Safe Beds for Pets Coordinator. "Sadly, these pets often become directly involved in domestic violence, as abuse of a pet is a tactic commonly used to control, hurt and intimidate the victim. Fear of leaving pets in the hands of a violent partner often prevents or delays victim's leaving a domestic violence situation."

In fact, Australian studies have indicated that between 50-85% of women who experienced domestic violence had a family pet and that 54% of abused women indicated that their partner had hurt or killed their family pets. Many victims of domestic violence delay leaving the abusive relationship because of fear of what will happen to their pets.

The Safe Beds for Pets program was established to arrange temporary housing for pets of people who are seeking refuge from domestic violence and to address the link between animal and human abuse, and child protection.

"Since the start of this financial year, the program has arranged for the care of 98 pets of domestic violence victims. Arranging safe accommodation for these pets allowed their owners to seek safe refuge themselves without having to worry about of the fate of their pets if left behind in an abusive situation."

"This program is not a long-term solution to the housing of the pets, but it gives domestic violence victims peace of mind and allows them to secure their own safety and make arrangements for the future."

Who is eligible for Safe Beds for Pets?

Safe Beds for Pets is specifically designed to help victims of domestic violence. RSPCA NSW has established partnerships with Domestic Violence victim support services who act as referral agencies for women needing to access this program.

All cases will be assessed on an individual basis. The Safe Beds for Pets program is not government funded and relies on donations and grants for support.

Did you know?

* One in three Australian women experiencing domestic violence delay leaving the abusive relationship because of fear of what will happen to their pets.

* Witnessing pet abuse may interrupt a child's natural development of empathy and contribute to the cycle of violence.

* Over a third of people in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (GLBTI) community experience domestic violence or abuse.

Thanks to the Becher Foundation

RSPCA NSW would like to sincerely thank the Becher Foundation for their recent, generous donation of $50,000 to support the Safe Beds for Pets program. The Becher Foundation is a small private philanthropic organisation founded in 2004 dedicated to fostering a humane, tolerant society that respects diversity and encourages inclusion.

For more information about the RSPCA NSW Safe Beds for Pets program, please email safebeds@rspcansw.org.au or call the Safe Beds for Pets Helpline on 0434 258 259. The Helpline operators are trained and experienced in dealing with domestic violence issues.

*The majority of victims of domestic violence are women and children. However this program is also open to male victims of domestic violence.

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About us

The RSPCA - The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - is Australia's pre-eminent animal welfare organisation. We provide a strong voice for animals experiencing cruelty and neglect. The RSPCA is not a government agency and receives only a very small amount of funding from the Government. We rely on the generosity of the community and our own fundraising initiatives to fund our vital work.